LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume xxix, Issue 7350, 3 December 1907, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Mr Henry Davis, the Mayor of"Ashburton, states that he has been watching with much interest the work of the past few sessions of Parliament. "1 feel sorry," said Mr Davis to a report er, "that our present member (Mr MeLachlan) is not enjoying the best of health; but rest assured that I will be a candidate at) the next election. I

know farming, and I. know the requirements of tho farming community, and although possibly not a flowery orator, the progress and the future welfareof Ashburton and its people are matters that I have closely at heart; and with the representations that have been made to me, and with one or two documents I have in my possession, the electors of Ashburton can rest assured that I will contest tho election as a straightout progressive Liberal."

Tho champion shield which was won by the Borough School Cadets on Saturday last is the most coveted prize for cadet work in Canterbury. For several years it was held by the Ka|apoi corps, whose excellence, in drill lias been commented upon by all who have been privileged to watch the various competitions. , Last year Sydenham wrested the honour from the country school after a keen fight. On that occasion the Ashburton team was foxirfch. ■ This Was their first .appearance in the competition, though they had previously won the physical drill competition. This year the display of drill reached high water mark. "All the teams but four were weeded out and Ashburton, Sydenham, Waltham and East Christchurch were left for the final attempt. The judges (SergeantMajors Farthing and Hoar) were unable to separate Ashburton and feydenham, who were therefore declared equal for first place. The tie was decided by a company march past, and the performance of the Ashburton boys placed them somewhat easily first. jOn arrival at the railway station on Saturday evening the winning corps was welcomed by a large crowd, and headed by the Scottish Pipe Band marched to the school, where, before being dismissed, - they were congratulated by Mr T. Hayes, the chairman of the School Committee. The shield will bo presented in eluc course and will adorn the walls of the school until some other company asserts its superiority in dompany drill.

Acknowledgments of the Borough Council's letters of condolence were read at last night's meeting fi»m Messrs H. H. Fooks and J. Davison.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the AsJiburton Court of Foresters was held last evening, with Bro. T. Ken:, C.R., presiding, and a good attendance of members. A small list of sick pay was passed, and nominations were received for ofKcers, the election of which wil ltake place at the next meeting.

The shooting match which was to have been fired between the Guards anel Rifles on Thursday, has been postponed, as the Government Armourer is at present here on a- visit of inspect, tion.

Captain Edwin telegraphs as follows : Westerly strong winds to a gale, after 16 hours; glass fall soon; rain probable.

At the meeting of the Borough Council last evening, a license for the sale of meat was granted to James Smith.

Sir Joseph Ward lias given .instructions that the . North Island Main Trunk Railway must bo completed by October, next year. On Friday Mr 11. J. H. Blow, Under Secretary for Public Works, left Wellington for Auckland with a view to pushing on the work with the utmost speed.

The northern' members of the scientific expedition which has just returned from the Southern Islands were pas" sengers by the late express last evening. ..-■..

Mr L. S. MeCliirg, jeweller, Burnett street, invites all to inspect his .large and well-selected, stock of Christmas jewellery. H cis making a special present to customers during this month.

The guard's van on the second express for the north last evening carried a number of cages of birds obtained on the Southern Islands by the scientific expedition which has just come back. The birds are being taken to Kapiti Islfuid, near Wellington, which is n sanctuary for native fauna.

Ab the Borough Council meeting last evening, Cr Nicoll asked if it was not possible that baiid concerts could be given elsewhere than at Baring Square, as the flower-beds were seriously damaged. Tho Mayor said that the band had no right to be in the square without his authority, and they were, trespassers. Cr Friedlander moved that the band should be informed that the Mayor's permission was necessary

Probably, he said, they were unaware

I of that. Cr Thomas remarked that the music >yas but if the children or dogs damaged' thp hpds, the Council should'^ay V/herc tho band was to play. They wore- in tho service of the Council Cr Gibson expressed the opinion that, after the band got in, the gates should be locked. The motion was carried f Tha Curator was instructed to repor' the owners of d.<;gs found in the Do main.

Messrs T. H. TJndrill and Company announce in this issue that they arc giving a special discount on go-carts and prams during Xmas month,